How to Pack a Motorcycle

[@PaulRickeyMays]

John, One thing I Always carry on long trips is a couple of cheap blue 9X12 tarps along with some paracord.. They pack small and can make a nice dry shelter, tent, ground cover ect when ya pull off and spend the night in the woods.. Of course I tend to find back roads and spend my nights in the woods instead of motels even at my age but I like trips that can take weeks of back roads and national forest camping...

[@RC51Rod]

I did a 3000 mile trip on my 2014 883 Iron. Half way through the trip I was given a cargo net and that thing is the best! Ive bough a few more since then.

[@michael-michaelmotorcycle]

I used my 13 Deluxe as my only vehicle for about 2 months when my truck was in the body shop. Had to grocery shop several times during that span. So I bought surplus army laundry bags and filled them up with my groceries and strapped them to the bike. One of those times I had a 50lb bag of dog food along with the two army bags strapped to the bike. Still managed to hit 80+ on the highway on my way home. Dumb move, yes but it was fun. Edit: this was mid-winter in Denver at the time.

[@joshuawaters151]

I really miss your videos, but glad Maxwell Motorcycles'' is doing so amazing!!!!

[@eastcoast.30cal28]

I don't have any type of storage on my '18 Breakout but I like the clean look of that! So I resort to my Maxpedition back pack! It leans with me, I can change the center of gravity with just my riding position... my bag has shoulder straps but also has a waist strap so it's really secure and doesn't move around at all. Works pretty damn good and doubles as my man-purse LOL!!

[@ElectraWillem]

Forget that fancy tour pack. Go for the four point docking system and click a sissy bar and a luggage rack on your bike. Then put the Kuryakyn tour bag on the luggage rack and a second bag on the passenger seat. And also a adjustable backrest to finish it off. And finally put the two crasbar bags on your bike and you're set for a ten day trip. Use no bungee cords, but buy some cheap cargo straps at your local car part dealer. Did ride like this for the last 15 years.

[@johnludmon7419]

I have cargo netted a lawnmower on the back of a bike (boxed) and in the past wheels and a 250cc engine if you can get them inside the axels and tight all is well. Problems start when tour packs (topboxes) are loaded with heavy stuff as they will adversely affect the centre of gravity think about carrying a sledgehammer horizontally with the head furthest from your body.

[@dragkid185]

During the summer here I try to not drive my car at all, these are just some of the things I've carried on my bike. 2 gallons of windshield washer fluid, they made for a very funny handling bike because the weight moved around a lot, 2.5 gallons of gas, 2 weeks worth of food and fast food in my jacket, I've gone through the drive-thru with my bike too.

[@terrybeb]

My Father in law strapped a Honda VTX 1800 motor to the back seat and rode from Maine to Ontario Canada. No joke. May he rest in peace. Great guy die hard biker.

[@GrimmGrimm72]

Wife & I are riding up to DC in May for Rolling🏍Thunder this year,🤘🏻

[@PaulRickeyMays]

I have been in the past but have made the choice to never ride into or through any place that I can't carry my concealed sidearm legally..

[@waynecasey6375]

When I used my Fat boy for trips I used both bungee cords and the bungee cargo nets but the nets definitely are awesome you can really stuff a lot of crap under them. Now I am on a road glide and I still carry a bungee cord just in case, but I use the net on the rack on the tour pack for my go to...

[@mechanicdave80]

I've strapped a weed whacker to my luggage tack and filled my hard bags with repair tools. (Drills, bolts, extra drill batteries, etc) I used to use my bike more often for repair/weed trimming when the houses were 2 hrs away.

[@cjg431]

I traveled from nys down to Macon Georgia and over to Mississippi on my roadkng has to have my cpap machine strapped to the top of my travel bag. We hauled ass the first day 715 miles from Albany ny to Virginia. I rode myself from Virginia to Macon. Now I have the new heritage so adding a luggage rack for my pack.

[@dougm5231]

I'll be in Daytona the first weekend. As far as packing the bike (limited). I use the saddle bags for tools, and other similar items that do not need to brought into house/hotel. The trunk I use for my laptop bag. I pack my clothes in a rear seat bag, and jackets go into a top trunk bag from T-Bags.

[@CEOsario]

Great job, good topic. I love those little nets that the rice rockets guys once used. I currently have a road glide with backrest. I typically put sleeping bag and tent between me and the backrest Tie them down and put a net over the top. Then you can tuck quick stuff in the net or if you take off your jacket. You can also move the bag around for some back support.

[@johnkimble1647]

Two things that always occur on a bike trip: Being too hot, being too cold. I ride an FLSTN with a solo seat, I routinely strap used MC parts on the little rack. Once I had to use my belt to keep rim a tied down.

[@04harley]

You can travel for weeks, starting with 1 extra pair of pants, 1 extra pair socks, 1 extra t-shirt, etc. Rinse your clothes out in your motel, ring out in towel, finish drying with hand held clothes dryer ( hair dryer). Take clothes your not attached to so you can throw them out and buy some replacements at "Thrift Stores". Always have good rain gear. It can also be another layer for warmth.

[@normanselset8788]

Bought a Winchester 30 30 in Eastern Washington and they said they would have it in a box. ...... a foot and a half longer than the riffle! Strapped to the tourpack of my FLTRU.

[@archer4556]

Thanks John, some great tips on packing the beer box and saddle bags. Never really had a problem traveling since the wife rides a Spyder RT and tows a trailer, we even put a small 12v cooler in the trailer with loads of room to spare. I discussed packing and towing a trailer with my brother from another mother and hes dead set against towing a trailer on his ultra classic, I could not get a straight answer as to why he wouldn't tow a trailer as he threw out comments like stability and braking ect. I'm looking at putting a tow package on my ultra and I was thinking you could do a vlog on towing trailers. Just food for thought. Cheers.

[@BrianMI06]

Thanks for video. You gave me some ideas. My son bought me a small soft cooler that holds four bottles of water and a couple ice packs. It fits great in the bag liners for my RG. Since you mentioned it how about doing a review of Rick Rack and a couple others.

[@coloradokid1346]

Thanks for the great tips John. I need to look into some different bags for my bike.

[@Dozeyish]

Hi John I once took my divers air tank to get re filled on the back seat of my sportster.

[@swgeorgia]

I never worry about what to take and not take. I pull my Escapade trailer when making a long trip, especially if the wife is traveling with me. I've even used it locally to make that Sam's run.

[@derekmaclellan5913]

Hey John, Just wanted to say love the channel and had a question for you. I’m a newly Harley-Davidson owner. (Just bought my bike Monday the 21st of January) 2019 Midnight-Blue Street glide. I was wondering if you could do a video talking about Harley-Davidson traditions and why they do each one. Thanks man keep up the good work.

[@klh3244]

John, warning when you put those cans in there like that they will get holes in them I promise you! I learned from experience maybe if you don't go to far. But never go a long distance you will have a mess! Ride Safe!

[@michaellomazzo7776]

For my street glide have a Rik rack luggage really great

[@bobkaniper4806]

Be careful with those rain covers. I’ve had them rub dull spots into the pack when used with a bag on the cargo rack. They were Harley products! It’s happened twice to me. 😕

[@wesleybarnett5263]

2 18lb bags of kingsford charcoal n small hibachi grill on my iron. lol. Was a great day. But prob the the funniest was my huskavarna chainsaw on rack w gallon of mix gas in one saddle bag n bar oil in the other. at the time i had no choice n I'm not a quiter

[@eddieman3702]

Great video man. Thanks

[@BustedKnuckleMotorcycle]

Thinking hard about going to bike week. At least for a long weekend

[@TheHarleyTech]

I’ll only be able to make it for a short weekend I think. I’m hoping to hit the first weekend, but I have to figure it out!

[@parkerdavenport2749]

I carry beer on my legs/ tank in my dyna. Always getting smiles!

[@wescobts]

Went to a Farmers Market and bought dinner, a 5 lb roast, 5 lb of potatoes, green beans, 10 lbs of apples and 2 pies for dessert. I ride a solo seat Street Bob, so i strapped everything to everything ;)

[@biglee6053]

I would like to hear and see, your take on tire pressure monitoring systems? I cant find much of importance on the subject. And what i can find is lacking. Do these things affect tire balance? Etc... thanks for all the good info!

[@TheXpompier]

Strangest for me was a full set of firefighter turnout gear (coat, trousers, boots, helmet) also sheets and pillowcase. Got a surprise transfer to another fire station for 24 hours.

[@nathankann6056]

That little book bag is the cats pajamas man!!

[@TheHarleyTech]

I love it. It fits in my swing arm bag on my bad boy, so I pretty much double my space when needed!

[@nathankann6056]

Thats exactly what i was thinking. Have a dyna with just a swingarm bag, so there's not alot of carry space. I have a drawstring bag, but i dont find them comfortable to wear. So a little more shoulder padding is a win.

[@richardhartley7094]

cargo nets is the way to go john

[@charliewilcher5988]

i am getting a honda yes i said honda 750 and i will be cleaning it up and i hope to take a trip out west to see my family i have a tool roll bag a milatary backpack and i will be taking my tools i will need i will also take my leather jacket and vest but before i go anywhere i will go though my bike and see what tools i will need for what great videos thank you

[@stinde666]

Cargonets for me 🤘🏻

[@hcshooter]

If you put a 30pk in one hard bag. You must put a 30pk in the other hard bag to even out the weight. Tip from the hcshooter..

[@hcshooter]

And yes 30 beers fit in the hard bag liners.

[@JNich68]

I picked up an XL pizza and strapped it on. Trying to hold it tight without crushing the pizza box and ride without the cheese and toppings sliding all over

[@andreaspoppe3124]

Did you ever heard about Hamburg Harley days? 50000 bikes, but just for the weekend... However, so far I just used rubber straps.

[@omegaseamaster1550]

My TNW ASR is 9mm was strapped to the tourpack rack when I was taking it to the post office......... Does that count?

[@jeffpaul738]

On my way back from Sturgis last year I had my hd chiseled handle bars (they suck) that I had replaced.

[@paulsullivan931]

Hey John,way cool vlog,I like that back pack I’m gonna see where I can buy one here in Australia,I’ll try amazon Australia they should have something.Anyway thanks John,looking forward to your next vlog.😃👍

[@gibsguns5433]

Two large Little Caesar's pizzas on the passenger seat of my sportster, and yes, I tied them down with the cargo net.

[@charlesschultz6797]

I’ve strapped golf bag with clubs on the bike 😁

[@scottcarroll5545]

I had to 2018 heritage with the 107 love that bike my wife wreck hers got scared so I went and got a 2019 road King which is okay

[@Mike6StringsIn]

I use a Kuryankan (You spell it) bag like yours on the passenger seat strapped the sissy bar. Then I geek it out with a day glo yellow vest so people get blinded by the color and say look at that geek on the bike. Because when they're hauling ass up behind me I want the to say hey look at that geek on the bike instead of I swear officer I didn't see him until I hit him.

[@djlarryb68]

Multiple suns on this planet lol! Got a chuckle out of that. Oh, and, tea bag...hmmmmm

[@craigbouknight5817]

John Maxwell, just noticed the new logo. Great choice with wrenches and beard. Enjoy your channel

[@robertsteward625]

I have a 15 CVO LIMITED and had room for truck brake rotors pads & hardware

[@byronconstance7494]

Instead of spending high dollars on a waterproof bag, I use a standard gym bag with a large plastic garbage bag inside. Keeps everything inside nice and dry.

[@theone9564]

Went to my local HEB and bought 2 briskets strapped them to my sissy bar.👍

[@alanwaterway6797]

With my wife on the back, she carried a 4' pool ladder off to the side for about 15 miles. Got lots of weird looks, but it was an unexpected purchase...

[@TheHarleyTech]

She’s a keeper!

[@bobbyromo69]

This explains why my bike leans to the left had the left bag full of stuff and the right was empty

[@redsarson5354]

watermelon ...2 of them .. Kids wanted one and got one free.. no back rest ! FUN FUN FUN

[@scottlee6673]

with only riding a year I usually strap a backpack on sissy bar when traveling around town or to my girlfreinds place but looking for something good to have this year on sissy bar and rack of my Super Glide Custom. any recommendations

[@randyXLT]

I have a 2019 Fatboy 114. My gas cap rattles a little when I accelerate. Any tips for making it quieter?

[@lifegoeson05]

My rattles like crazy! 2018 FLHC

[@TheHarleyTech]

Complain to your local dealership. They’ll warranty it. I’ve pushed a few through.

[@1550tc]

Six -12 XXL stubby condoms should work

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

OK KZbin, WTF. I have subscribed to you, and I have you in the Bell notifications turned on specific for your channel Not a peep about this video you uploaded. Not in my sub box, not in my bell notifications. I saw that you uploaded this video... because it was in the related videos bar. KZbin really needs to fix their shit.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Do you also have notifications turned on in settings?

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

@@TheHarleyTech Yup. No bell from your channel.

[@mattwagner8673]

Skis plus gear bag, 50 lb dog food all the time, Rifles, full family of 6 grocery trips. You name it.

[@riderofthenorth]

Strapped my wife to the sissy bar👍😅

[@mdpage76]

Even though I use tour pak and saddlebag liners, for long trips I still use huge ziplock bags and one-gallon ziplock bags. Two reasons. I put clothes in huge bags, just in case I hit a heavy downpour and some water still sneaks in to the saddlebag. I also put toiletry, sunscreen, drinks and other liquid-ish things in ziplock bags so they don't soak or mess with other things in my liners.

[@TheHarleyTech]

Great tip

[@michaelredding7827]

Same here love those ziplock bags

[@deanphillips8270]

Yep love the big zip lock bags, roll'em up from the bottom works like a vacuum bag and keeps everything dry, and you can pack a lot more clothes

[@carlito3624]

Matt Page thanks for the tip. That’s a great idea.

[@Schnot]

If you haven’t strapped cases of beer to your bike, have you even lived?

[@tetlow2]

Shit no. I went down with a 30 pack of bud strapped to the back of my street bob. Didn't loose one of em. I drug my ass up off the ground saddled up and went home and drank the road rash away. Gotta love bungee choards.

[@zacharyfett2491]

Schnot 😂😂😂

[@herberthettinger2629]

Had a Suzuki gz250 I rode with a 12 pack of beer between my legs does that count

[@battlebornhd3030]

Schnot hell yeah, I just ride home with a 12 pack of Pacifico between my legs, the looks I got were priceless

[@SixShooter14]

umm, I've not strapped beer down...But I have ridden through the drive through for a couple bottles of Jack Daniels.

[@gadang66]

Dude, you are becoming an editing Mavin! I have been watching your videos for over a year and thought it was good before, but your last couple have gone to a different level!

[@TheHarleyTech]

Thanks man!

[@rjrj8481]

I just rode from the east coast of Florida to the west coast on my sportster. I bungee corded a backpack to the sissy bar. Fun times!!

[@rjrj8481]

BEACHBIKER treasure coast to around the Bradenton area.

[@conquerandwin]

Subscribed. A buddy recommended your videos because I'm learning how to maintain my Ultra Limited. I was not disappointed... entertaining and informative.

[@moushunter]

I carried a full set of baseball catcher's gear plus a batting helmet and 2 bats in a duffle bag on my seat in addition to a weekend's worth of clothes in a t-bag on the backrest/luggage rack. On the return trip I had all the above plus I had a set of crutches. I zip tied the rubber stomper end to each passenger footpeg and the tops were tied to the backrest for a 2 1/2 hour ride home. I wore an electric guitar in a backpack case that I picked up at a flea market. I strapped a 3 foot tall beer can shaped cooler (Pete's Wicked Ale) on my backrest from a flea market. The best one though was a .44 caliber Marlin lever rifle in a soft case.

[@scottwood1953]

In high school pony keg strapped to the sissy bar

[@IrishBOBSister]

Quick tip I learned last year packing my 115th Anniversary Heritage for my trip to Milwaukee: YES, use the saddlebag liners BUT put them inside your bag first!! I found the liners way easy to stuff with all sorts of clothing but when I went to put them in my saddlebags they were too big, forcing me to take a bunch of stuff out and repacking it in all.

[@williamrusk631]

I thought it was against the law to drink Pepsi in Georgia

[@TheHarleyTech]

I was gonna make that joke actually

[@theramblingsoflarry9290]

william rusk John is a rebel plus he is in West GA.

[@ramblinwithwreck]

I noticed that he purposely said they were drinking too many “sodas” instead of too many Cokes. 😉

[@williamrusk631]

I know a rebel when I see one Larry, my third great grandfather died at the Alamo (Jackson J.) on my dads side and Gastonia North Carolina is named for my 4th great grandfather William on mom's side

[@theramblingsoflarry9290]

Ben Brandon I am originally from the Midwest and spent time in my childhood in New England. I still call all sodas coke

[@SA-hk8xj]

Used T-Bag brand for over 20 years. Started with a simple backpack to the backrest, to a large tour pack and roll combo for the backrest/passenger seat. Was actually ready to get a new set this year....and found out they no longer exist. Time to research a new brand. Maybe that Kuryakan like you showed 🤷‍♂️. Great video and tips.

[@carbomb7211]

Watermelon in my shirt. Looked like I was 8 months along. ROK straps alway come in handy.

[@DeluxeChimp]

Used to back pack it light, then I bought a Biltwell Exfil 80 for the sissy bar. You can fit a crap load in there plus it has molle straps for add on capability. That bag got me through 15 states and part of Canada in one trip.

[@sinx2200]

Technically not strapped but I had 2 new tires around my waist riding 30 miles to get them put on!

[@wadefalland4062]

When I had my XVS650A I strapped a 5 foot tall STANLEY brand sack truck/hand trolley to my cargo rack.

[@StevyFaux]

The saddlebag liners are a game changer. I prefer a bag on a luggage rack vs a tourpack. Lower and not as much weight. But that’s just me. The tourpack is definitely handy.

[@rtg3571]

I strapped the thanksgiving turkey , fresh out of the oven, and rode about an hour in 30 degrees to grandma's house!!!

[@ChrisLonsberryMedia]

Electric guitar case and a big effect pedal strapped to the sissybar, which is tall because I'm over-compensating. Cargo nets.. and bungies if I want a little added security. Definitely going to Daytona. I actually have some work to do while I'm there. You know.. like taking photos at a bike event is work, right? Let us know where you're gonna be. I'll try to get there. It'd be cool to meet the Mighty Maxwell. Maybe do some selfies with duck lips and s%#t.

[@matthewmorrison9932]

I strapped 4 8ft 2x4s along the length of my bike once because a buddy lost them off his truck. Made for a LONG ride home.

[@TheBlueBikeDoyle]

Yeah I pack my luggage in wife sypder. Yes we have the saddlebag inserts make it very plus it has trunk up front that hold more stuff. Not going to Daytona but hope to meet up with TJ and ride some with them on way down. Yes waiting on more details on Paris,Tx the dates that going be my big trips where go up into Arkansas and do some riding as we heading to Pairs. Maybe you should come with make it funnier then running straight out and back .

[@alsims8280]

Great vid. The tips are very helpful for people learning to tour. Thanks for caring about the people, not just selling products. Much Love and Respect Sir!

[@lovingmylifeasIage6741]

Check out Walmart's motorcycle sissy bar/back pack. It's a great deal and genius.

[@tennwingman3350]

John, back in the 70's crossed country several times on a CB750 while in the Army with a duffel bag strapped to the sissy bar. It also acted as a good backrest. Now I "Tour" the country on a Goldwing and pull a small trailer, my how times have changed. But the wife loves it. We know "happy Wife, happy "Life". When just myself, I use the bag liners and rack bag and can travel for weeks. Oh by the way Mesh jackets are great for ventilation and protection, I cannot wear the Leather too hot!

[@BellsRidesAboardSeaBoss]

This weekend I’m moving my tour pack forward to get the weight closer to center I already removed passenger Floorboards for cleaner look as no one will be riding behind me.

[@TheHansoost]

Spread the load. "Heavy" stuff low down. Pack light. Wear layers. ratchet strap or cargo net is safer than bungee. I usually make up a little list of what's in each compartment (tour pack, saddlebags etc.) so I can find stuff quickly. After a couple of days on the road, you just get familiar. BTW: Check to make sure your saddlebags are strapped closed BEFORE you head out. A buddy of mine lost an apple computer somewhere between Reno and Las Vegas. Great trip. Ride safe everyone.

[@LivWrote]

Wish I could add pictures to my comments! First trip to Sturgis from Las Vegas on my 2010 V-Rod Muscle I had no saddlebags & no sissy bar! I had a Biker’s Friend round bag, a Kriega backpack, & two water proof bags with my camping gear. All strapped to the fender with ROK straps, a cargo net, & a couple of bungee cords! Second trip in 2018 with the same bike, but now with a sissy bar! Got an awesome Bitwell Exfil-80 sissy bar bag (80 is how many cans of beers it holds), a Kuryakn Momentum bag, & one waterproof bag for my tent & air mat. Used some Perfect Bungees as well & had the ROK straps just in case. I tell everyone to invest in quality bungee cords & nets, and I swear by ROK straps. Safe travels!

[@copdwarriormcdonald7968]

Oh, I brought an 8ft Ground Rod home from Lowe's once too! From Engine guard across the bags gap and tied a Red bandana on the end! OORAH

[@crewchief2842]

John Maxwell!! You would’ve shit had you seen my bike packed up with my wife and I on the RFTW trip last year. Pretty sure we were packed just like the couple you mentioned. 😬 I definitely tested the limits on the tour pack to say the least. At least 75lbs on top of that bad boy. But hey, bike handle great at all speeds and we mad the trip to DC and back so,,,,,,,,,, no harm no foul?? Lol.

[@devinweirich8372]

I use a Sandpiper Of California Bugout Pack everyday (shop.sandpiperca.com/index.php/gear-packs/bugout-bag-black.html). It is ridiculously spaceous (2900ci/3300ci expanded) but not rigid so its comfortable and no too obnoxious to carry or wear while not riding. Even had a nice opening where the shoulder straps can be stored that slides nicely over my sissy bar.

[@wolco003]

I love grocery/beer shopping with my bike. I hate Costco but my dog eats their food. Ive been considering making the dreaded monthly trip on the bike (to make it better) and either laying 35lb bag across fender bib and bags or putting the sissy bar on and bungee's either way.

[@timothyohara6256]

This isn't related, but have you any experience with RCX-haust? They make header pipes, slip ons, and now a 2 into 1 pipe for the Milwaukee 8. The ceramic black 2 into 1 for my 2017 road king is happening very soon.

[@phillipjones2nd71]

Strapped fully loaded golf bag to the back of my 02 vrod. WITHOUT A BACK REST! I have since then seen they make a rack just for carrying golf clubs.

[@philipstrom6966]

Thanks for the advice mate 😎👌was thinking of heading for 11hr trip up to Queesland from New south Wales in Australia 😁👍 should be a killer of a ride with a harley 2016 breakout lol , was trying to get a black standard line swingarm bag from harley but they said they can't sell them in Australia 😡 so you have any problems going on with them over there ? Thanks

[@michaelhazen8658]

In 30 years of riding and long trips Ive learned (often the hard way): Bungee cords and nets are garbage and dangerous. There is *always* slack. I have seen stuff flopping around on the seat. sliding sideways and at risk of sucking into the rear wheel (not an approved scenario, to say the least.) "Oh well just cinch em down tight". Fine. But take note of all the stored energy you are putting into a spring. Snap yourself in the face with a rubber band. Hurts dont it? Now imagine that multiplied by ten with a steel or plastic hook on the end. Fuck bungee. Friction straps. You will run out of volume long before you run out of weight capacity. I see bikes, especially harleys, with these gigantic packs and piles of shit stacked on the rear seat, creating a fantastic sail-like profile for wind, especially cross wind, to grab and toss the works all over the place. and thats without considering how much the weight and drag shifts the effective COG further back, making the front light (aforementioned tank slapper J mentioned) Put the heavy stuff low and even across the bike. Put the lighter and especially compressible stuff above the panniers. Assuming no tourpack - make sure that whatever container you do use is *compressible* - clothes. sleeping bag. tent shell. and friction strap that shit as small and tight as possible. If you do have a tourpack with a "luggage rack" on the lid, I wouldnt put anything more than a spare sweatshirt or some rain pants in a tiny flat pack. SW-Motech makes a great rear seat pack that is low, flat, shaped to fit over the rear seat and down a bit into the space above and between the panniers. 50 liters. thats a lot of room. and it has integral straps to pack it down low and tight. I packed clothes for a month in one of those including rain and cold gear without even noticing it was there. *adjust your fucking suspension* Before going, lay out everything you want. reduce it to what you *need*. Get rid of half that. Its almost certain that you arent taking your HD into the deepest of africa. You can buy anything you might suddenly need and not have along the way. Leave room for stuff you will collect - t-shirts, shiny rocks, whatever you inevitably decide to collect. That is all. go forth and sin no more.

[@dgwilliams4795]

I use a large dry bag across my rear seat, held in place with ROK straps, which are one of the best things ever. WAAAYYY better than bungee cords. In the dry bag goes my tent, sleeping bag and pad, little camping pillow, lightweight tarp for rain cover if needed so I can eat outside, and whatever odds and ends won't fit in my saddle bags, like water sandals that I can wear hiking, around camp, and in the water, surprisingly enough. In one saddle bag goes clothes, reading material and electronics (camera, tablet), the other is my kitchen. Ends up being pretty even. And the dry bag on the back seat doesn't throw off the handling and it makes a perfect backrest. Don't forget to increase your rear pre-load some! I can stay on the road for a couple weeks easy with that set-up, just have to hit the laundromat every 3 or 4 days 'cause I only pack 3 days worth of clothes, plus a warm layer or two. And a hat, couple gallons of water (for camping wild), chargers, Cliff bars, bear spray, and sunscreen. Oh man, now I want to go camping. And the Heritage has got me down some rough forest service roads and whatnot looking for free camping. Awesome bike.

[@firebird5029]

97 honda shadow 1100. Being my only transportation I left my bag at the house and needed ice so I strapped it on my back seat. I even had to pick up my push mower about 12years ago. Just tow it behind my Honda cb 650 the cop stayed behind me the whole 5 miles. And pulled beside me and said I guess you gotta do with what you have 😂😂😂😂😂.

[@nomansland4811]

I was on my Electra Glide Sport in about 94 traveling (solo) home from Penticton BC to Lodi CA. Somewhere in Oregon there was a yard art place by the road and I bought 2 plastic pink flamingos with the metal rod legs that you stab in the ground. Wrapped them in a garbage bag and bungeed them to my back seat. About half way home the bag disintegrated and my cargo was in plain view. Looked pretty goofy but my wife was delighted with the gift.

[@barrydawg7544]

bowling ball, but the best one was my ole lady and I were at a field party one summer and she was pretty loaded... so a couple of my buddies helped me bungy her to the sissy bar with of all things my belt.. She road 10 miles like that and when I pulled in the driveway I had to wake her up... she was zzzzzzzzzed OUT... how's that one John? LOL. DAWG from the Show Me State...

[@copdwarriormcdonald7968]

Two Domino's Pizzas and the Wings on the Rear Seat because my Pancake tour is to small! I live 16 miles plus from the Domino's Pizza in Laurel, MS!

[@joezednick3197]

Nice info, so many ways to pack. But one thing I've learned in over 50 years of motorcycle traveling is you anyways pack too much! Don't pack extra crap just because you have a little extra room. Leave some room to pack up your jacket also makes it easier to get stuff out. Put the stuff you'll grab a lot in the right bag (easier to get to) and rain suit, cover, warmer gloves etc in the slightly harder to use left bag. Joe Z.